Remembering Jeremy Heywood

26 March 2021 - 17:30

Join us to celebrate the life and legacy of Hertford alumnus Lord Heywood, who spent his career at the cornerstone of the British government and Civil Service.

Tom Fletcher and Jan Royall, Principals of Hertford and Somerville Colleges respectively, will co-host this evening of conversation with special guests. They’ll be joined by those with an Oxford connection who worked closely with Jeremy during his career at the Cabinet Office, Downing Street and HM Treasury, including Sir Suma Chakrabarti, Dame Helen Ghosh and Sir Jonathan Phillips.

Tom and Jan will also speak with Somerville alumna and Exor managing director Suzanne Heywood, who has recently published a memoir co-written with her late husband: What Does Jeremy Think? Much of the book, which features Jeremy’s candid recollections, was completed in hospital treatment rooms and with Jeremy’s full involvement, including prompts by text message of the questions to be asked of ministers and former colleagues. Suzanne completed the work after his death.

Biography

Jeremy Heywood, Baron Heywood of Whitehall, was one of the most influential and respected people in Whitehall, serving four Prime Ministers from Tony Blair to Theresa May. Jeremy worked up until his death, retiring just a few days before he died from lung cancer in November 2018. In 2012, he became Cabinet Secretary and in 2014 also took on the role of Head of the Civil Service. Jeremy previously held roles at Morgan Stanley and the International Monetary Fund and occupied a range of senior Civil Service roles, including as Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister (1999–2003). Prior to that, he had a variety of senior roles at HM Treasury and served as Principal Private Secretary to Chancellors Norman Lamont and Kenneth Clarke. His first job in the Civil Service was as an Economic Adviser to the Health and Safety Executive.